Throughout
the book of Acts, which is the history of the Christian church
written by Luke; there is conjoined both the death and resurrection
of Christ. The apostles included the resurrection of Christ in their
gospel message. For Peter’s sermon 50 days after the
resurrection (Pentecost) he quotes King David and calls him a
prophet. Acts 2:29-30 “because David was a prophet and knew
that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of His descendants
upon His Throne, he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the
Christ, that He was neither abandoned to the grave, nor did His flesh
suffer decay.”(Psa. 16:9-11)

In
Act 4:33 “With great power the apostles were giving witness to
the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace upon them
all.” (Acts 17:18; 32; 23:6, 8; 24:15, 21; 26:23)

The
Denial of the Resurrection –v. 12-15

The Greek
view of immortality (soul is immortal but the body will cease to
exist)

If Christ be
not raised we are still in our sins – v.17 cf. John 8:24;
(Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:13)

Particular
Redemption

If Christ died
for all of mankind then why do some die in their sins as Jesus
states clearly? John 8:21-24

Every person
who rejects Christ as Savior and Lord will die in their sins and
will suffer eternal punishment in hell. – John 3:18; 3:36

The
Christian view of death – v. 18

The Christian’s
body at death is only sleeping – I Thess. 4:13; Phil. 1:21,23

The Christian’s
soul at death is immediately present with the Lord – II Cor.
5:8

Finally: If
Christ has not been raised from the dead all is lost and will all
will perish together and we are of all people to be pitied. V.19

Conclusion:

Paul has given the worst possible scenario if Christ be no
raised. Paul steps back into reality. Christ HAS been raised!

Paul who
steps back into reality knows the hopelessness of the unbeliever.
Their deadness in their sins has condemned them and they will have
to give an account for their rebellion at the judgment seat of
Christ – Matthew 25:31-46